Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

🎙️ Catching Up with the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce! 🎙️We recently sat down with Tim Sheehan, President/CEO of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, for a packed update on everything happening in our community. From upcoming elections to new businesses, there is a lot to look forward to!Here are the highlights you don’t want to miss:🗳️ Candidate Forum – May 7thMark your calendars for Thursday, May 7th, at the Goss Opera House. Starting at 5:30 PM, come hear from candidates for District 4 House, District 4 Senate, and District 5 Senate. It’s a great chance to get informed before you head to the polls!🎀 Visit Watertown Ribbon CuttingAlso on May 7th, join the celebration at the new Visit Watertown location (the former Mods building). The ribbon cutting is at 4:30 PM, with an open house running until 6:00 PM.🏆 Hall of Fame Nominations – Deadline Approaching!Do you know a local legend who deserves recognition? Hall of Fame nominations are due by April 28th.Tip: The board loves details! When nominating, be sure to provide a deep dive into their story and contributions to help the voting board truly understand their impact.🤝 Welcome to Our Newest Members!We are thrilled to see our business community growing. A big welcome to:Sutton’s Lawn & SnowVandy’s Home & Office CleaningTop DetailEli Rudebush RepairOn the Border Coffee TruckCore Cares In-Home CareLittle Legends (Party Rentals)✨ A New Vision: Citywide Garage Sale Weekend?Tim shared a great idea for a coordinated "Citywide Garage Sale Weekend" to potentially coincide with the citywide cleanup in May. What do you think, Watertown? Should we make this a new tradition? 🏠🧺🍷 Save the Date!The annual Wine Walk is officially set for July 23rd. Get ready for a fantastic evening downtown!Stay connected and informed by visiting the Chamber website for full event details and nomination forms.#WatertownSD #ChamberOfCommerce #CommunityUpdate
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Tourism in Watertown is hitting a high note as city officials report consistent growth in sales tax revenue and a fresh chapter for the city’s tourism hub. Anjelica Uthe, Executive Director of Visit Watertown, joined Northeast Radio SD this week to discuss the city’s upward trajectory and several major milestones on the horizon for 2026.
Economic Momentum and Visitor Growth
According to Uthe, the latest sales tax reports show that visitor spending in Watertown has increased month over month. Despite the lingering possibility of spring snow, the "Sunshine State" is living up to its name, drawing in visitors who are fueling the local economy.
"Good things are happening," Uthe noted during the interview. "The reports show the BBB (Business, Betterment, and Beauty) tax is up every month, which is a great indicator that people are staying, eating, and enjoying everything Watertown has to offer."
Celebrating Excellence: The Visitor Industry Awards
To honor those on the front lines of this growth, Visit Watertown is officially accepting nominations for the annual Visitor Industry Awards. These awards focus on exceptional customer service across four primary categories:
Retail
Hotel
Attractions
Restaurants
Community members can also nominate individuals for the prestigious Gordon "Gordy" Ostas Customer Service Award or recognize local organizers through the Event Award category.
How to Nominate: Visit visitwatertownsd.com/awards to submit your favorites. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 24, 2026.
This year, the awards will feature a new format. Instead of a formal banquet, Visit Watertown plans to surprise winners on-location with a Facebook Live ceremony during National Travel and Tourism Week in May.
A New Home at the Goss
In a move that places tourism right in the heart of downtown, Visit Watertown moved into its new office space at the Goss Opera House (the former Mod’s Mercantile location) on April 1st. Located at 100 East Kemp, the new headquarters will serve as a resource for both locals and travelers.
The community is invited to an Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Attendees can tour the new space, pick up the updated 2026 visitor guides, and even snag some new Watertown-themed merchandise and stickers.
Local Highlights and Summer Outlook
Uthe also highlighted several "must-see" spots for the upcoming season:
Redlin Art Center: Now featuring the new Studio Gallery on the second floor, showcasing Terry Redlin’s unfinished works.
Mellette House: The historic home is preparing for its seasonal opening.
The Wolf Exhibit: A highly anticipated addition set to open this summer.
As Watertown prepares for the summer rush, the message is clear: whether you're here for the art, the history, or the hospitality, there has never been a better time to visit.

LITTLE BUG, BIG IMPACT: Granting Wishes Through KindnessWe had a wonderful time catching up with Julianne Endres - Author Page and Rebecca Hall, who joined us over the phone to share an incredible update on their book, Little Bug Earns Her Spots! Since its release, this heartwarming story has been traveling far and wide—reaching readers across the Midwest, Florida, and even into Canada!The Mission: Granting a Wish ✨This isn't just a book about kindness; it’s a mission. In honor of World Wish Month, Julianne and Rebecca shared that they are raising money through book sales to grant a wish through Make-A-Wish. They are already a third of the way to their goal!A Legacy of Love ❤️The story was inspired over 20 years ago by Emily Holtz, a young girl from Watertown who loved ladybugs. Emily’s own wish—a special playhouse—was granted in 2002. Today, her legacy lives on through this book, teaching children that doing kind things for others is how we truly "earn our spots" in the world.📅 Upcoming Events:This Saturday: Book Signing at Barnes & Noble in Sioux Falls.April 26: "Paint the Ice" event with Make-A-Wish & Augustana University in Sioux Falls.April 28: “Paint for a Purpose" at Element in Watertown—paint your own ladybug sign!June: A special kindness-focused event at the Terry Redlin Art Center.🛒 Get Your Copy:Available locally at DDR Books, Blessings Big & Small Christian Stores, Peddler’s Market, and TimberBloom in Watertown, as well as Crossroads and Barnes & Noble in Sioux Falls, and on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Little-Bug-Earns-Her-Spots/dp/B0GKHSRQ3Y
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Public Safety and Incidents
Vehicle Rollover: First responders attended a single-vehicle rollover on Monday afternoon near the intersection of 168th Street and 447th Avenue. A gray Ford Ranger was found on its side; while both occupants managed to exit the vehicle themselves, one was transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital for evaluation.
 
Emergency Alert Testing: As part of Severe Weather Week, Watertown will test its emergency systems on Friday, April 17th. A CodeRED notification will be sent at 9:45 AM, followed by an outdoor warning siren test at 10:00 AM. Weekly siren tests are scheduled to begin on April 24th at noon.
 
Lake Area Technical College (LATC) Developments
The Watertown School Board approved several updates for the college during their Monday meeting:
Fee Adjustments: For the 2026-2027 school year, full-time students will see a median fee increase of 2.9%. State-level tuition is rising by $4 to $134 per credit, though the board opted to freeze general campus support and maintenance fees to keep costs manageable.
 
New Programs: The board greenlit a new Radiologic Technology program to train X-ray technicians, aiming to address high demand in local clinics. The program will eventually host 28 students and is targeted to launch for the 2027-2028 school year. Additionally, fees for a new Dental Hygiene program were set at $1,732 per semester.
 
Ag Commodities Risk Management Lab: A new high-tech lab is being developed, funded largely by a $229,000 grant from the CHS Foundation. The lab will feature live market data and a scrolling ticker to give Agribusiness students real-time trading experience starting in the Fall 2026 semester.
 
Watertown High School Updates
Standardized Testing Shift: Juniors will transition from the Smarter Balanced Assessment to the Enhanced ACT. This new format is more streamlined to reduce testing fatigue and will be provided during the school day at no cost to families, saving them approximately $90 per student.
 
Early Summer Break: Due to a mild winter with zero used snow days, the final day of school has been moved up to Wednesday, May 20th, with a 12:30 PM dismissal. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielson noted that any surprise snow days occurring before May would be added back to the calendar.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Local Safety and Fire Reports
Grass Fire Successfully Contained: Watertown Fire Rescue and the Castlewood Fire Department successfully contained a 4.2-acre wind-driven grass fire south of Watertown. The fire was reported around 12:20 PM at 457th Avenue and Meadow Lake Road. Efforts focused on protecting a nearby residence and farm buildings until the blaze was stopped by a gravel road. No structures were lost.
79 Fire Update: Ground crews have achieved 60% containment on the 5,408-acre 79 Fire near Buffalo Gap. While air support was crucial on Saturday, Sunday’s operations focused on ground crews extinguishing hidden hotspots. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 9:00 PM due to low humidity and gusty winds.
Sports
Watertown Arrows Baseball: The Arrows opened their 2026 season with a double-header split in Sioux Falls.
Win: Defeated North Dakota’s Shanley Deacons 12-5, led by Jackson Felici and winning pitcher Cooper Heiser.
Loss: Fell 12-11 to Sioux Falls Lincoln despite a standout performance by Marcus Pitkin.
Upcoming: The home opener is scheduled for this Friday at 5:00 PM at Watertown Stadium against Tea Area.
Community and Public Safety
Child Abuse Prevention Month: The Watertown Police Department reported handling 41 child abuse cases and making 29 arrests last year. Captain Steve Rehorst emphasized collaborative protection efforts and warned parents that deleted Snapchat data can often be recovered by law enforcement months later.
Teen Police Academy: Registration is open for the program running June 8-10, featuring VR driving simulators and a hands-on look at law enforcement. Capacity is limited to 20 participants.
Optimist Club 50th Anniversary: The Watertown Optimist Club celebrated its Golden Anniversary, marking 50 years since its founding on April 15, 1976. Original member Randy Rakness participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Arts and Entertainment
Sinatra Tribute: The South Dakota Jazz Orchestra will perform a tribute to Frank Sinatra this Saturday night at the Goss Opera House. The show features Tony DeBlois, a blind and autistic musical savant who plays 23 instruments and can perform over 10,000 songs by ear.
Government and Finance
Real Estate Tax Deadline: Codington County Treasurer Carol Maloney reminded property owners that the first half of real estate taxes are due Thursday, April 30.
USPS Warning: Taxpayers are advised to mail payments early or request a hand-cancel postmark, as new USPS regulations mean postmarks now reflect the date an envelope is machine-processed rather than when it was dropped in the mail. Failure to meet the deadline results in a 10% interest penalty.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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In this exclusive interview with Northeast Radio SD, Nathan Sanderson (Executive Director of the SDRA) is joined by Chris Verhoek and Travis Hellvig to discuss the association’s commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship through education, mentorship, and professional networking.
The SDRA Scholarship Program: Investing in South Dakota’s Talent
Nathan Sanderson highlights the impressive 30-year legacy of the SDRA Scholarship Program. To date, the program has awarded nearly 300 students with over $270,000 in financial aid.
Who is it for? Unlike traditional high school scholarships, the SDRA focuses on "niche" applicants—typically college sophomores or juniors who have already committed to a career path in retail, hospitality, or trades (like construction and landscaping).
The Funding: The program is sustained by an endowment funded by SDRA member businesses who believe in reinvesting in the state's future "mom and pop" owners.
The Awards: Scholarship amounts typically range from $2,000 to $3,000+.
Expert Tips for Applicants
Chris Verhoek, owner of Country Corner in Estelline and Chair of the Scholarship Committee, shares the "Golden Rule" for applicants: Read the instructions. > "The first thing is making sure they turn in every requirement on that application. Review it two or three times... if you can follow instructions, you're already ahead of the game."
From Recipient to Owner: Travis Hellvig’s Success Story
Travis Hellvig, owner of Hartford Building Center, provides a "full-circle" perspective. Travis was an SDRA scholarship recipient who used those funds to pursue his degree before returning to manage his family's business. He is currently utilizing the SDRA Next Gen Program to navigate the complex transition from employee to owner.
The Power of the SDRA Network
The interview emphasizes that the SDRA is more than just a scholarship fund—it’s a robust support system for the 4,000+ member businesses across the state.
Next Gen Program: Specifically designed to help young professionals transition into business ownership.
Networking: The association fosters connections even between competitors, allowing owners to share insights on tax laws, legislation, and operational challenges.
Advocacy: The diverse 24-member Board of Directors ensures that every industry, from grocery stores to hardware shops, has a voice in Pierre.
⚠️ IMPORTANT DEADLINES & CONTACT INFO
Scholarship Application Deadline: April 15th, 2026
Apply Online: sdra.org/scholarships
Become a Member: Visit sdra.org or call 224-5050.
Support Local: As Nathan Sanderson reminds us, when you shop at an SDRA member business, you aren't funding a millionaire CEO—you're supporting a neighbor who is reinvesting right back into your community.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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In this feature interview with Northeast Radio SD, host Steve Jurens sits down with Alex Massa, Artistic Director of the South Dakota Jazz Orchestra, and world-renowned musical savant Tony DeBlois. They discuss their unique partnership and the highly anticipated "Come Fly With Me" Frank Sinatra Tribute coming to the Goss Opera House.
The SD Jazz Orchestra: A State-Wide Supergroup
Alex Massa, originally from Rapid City, shares his journey from performing in New Orleans and Chicago to returning to South Dakota to lead the SD Jazz Orchestra.
Representing the State: The orchestra is a "supergroup" of South Dakota’s finest musicians, with performers traveling from Rapid City, Spearfish, Pierre, Mitchell, Sioux Falls, Brandon, and Brookings.
Original Arrangements: The band will be playing the original Quincy Jones and Billy May charts written specifically for Frank Sinatra in the 1950s and 60s.
The "Rain Man" of Music: Tony DeBlois
The star of the show, Tony DeBlois, is one of only about 20 musical savants in the world. Despite being blind and autistic, Tony possesses an almost supernatural ability to learn and perform music.
The Numbers: Tony plays 23 instruments, sings in 11 languages, and has a repertoire of over 10,000 songs.
Learning by Ear: Alex recounts a mind-blowing moment when he played a Tchaikovsky overture for Tony; after just 30 seconds of listening, Tony was able to play the entire orchestral arrangement on the piano.
Impressions: Beyond Sinatra, Tony is known for his uncanny vocal impressions of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, and Bobby McFerrin.
What to Expect at the Goss Opera House
This performance isn't just a local cover show—it is a world-class production.
Authenticity: Tony doesn't just sing the songs; he embodies the energy and tone of Sinatra, right down to the signature "Ol' Blue Eyes" stage presence.
Musical Synergy: The 17-piece big band and Tony will have only one two-hour rehearsal before the show—a testament to the high caliber of talent involved.
Tony’s Message of Hope
Toward the end of the interview, Tony shares a powerful message for the community:
"It’s okay to be different. Believe in yourself, don’t give up on your dreams, and remember the three P's: Practice, Practice, Practice... and Patience."
🎟️ EVENT DETAILS
Event: "Come Fly With Me" – A Tribute to Frank Sinatra
Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Location: Goss Opera House, Watertown, SD
Tickets: Available now at thegossoperahouse.com/events
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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In this live session with Northeast Radio SD, leadership from the Watertown Police Department (WPD) discusses the department’s multi-faceted approach to public safety, focusing on child abuse prevention and the upcoming Teen Police Academy.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Captain Steve Rehorst emphasizes that law enforcement is just "one spoke on the wheel" of child safety. Protecting the most vulnerable members of the community requires a collective effort from neighbors, teachers, and parents.
The "Reach Clinic": WPD partners with Sanford for forensic interviews and medical evaluations. This "team approach" includes the State’s Attorney and child advocates to ensure a child only has to tell their story once, minimizing re-traumatization.
WPD Statistics: Last year, the department handled 41 child abuse reports, resulting in 29 arrests. The goal remains to drive that number to zero through community vigilance and prevention.
The Digital Frontier: Cyber Safety & Online Predators
Detective Brandon Johnston, an expert in computer forensics, highlights the growing complexity of internet crimes against children.
The Snapchat Myth: Many believe content on Snapchat is deleted instantly. Johnston clarifies that law enforcement can often recover this data months later.
Complex Investigations: These cases are rarely solved in "30 minutes" like on TV. They often require lengthy legal processes with social media companies and can take weeks or months to resolve.
Parental Tip: Monitoring social media activity and looking for changes in a child’s behavior are the best lines of defense against online predators.
🚨 Upcoming Event: Teen Police Academy
Sgt. Matt Hegg announces the return of the Teen Police Academy, offering local youth a hands-on look at life behind the badge.
Dates: June 8th, 9th, and 10th.
Eligibility: Teens aged 13 to 18.
What to Expect: This is an interactive experience (no "boring PowerPoints"). In partnership with Lake Area Tech, students will use VR driving simulators to experience high-pressure maneuvers safely.
Registration: Limited to 20 participants. Register online at watertownpd.com.
Closing Message: "See Something, Say Something"
The department encourages citizens to report anything that seems "out of the ordinary." Whether it is unusual behavior in a child or unexplained bruising, the WPD would rather investigate a dead end than miss a chance to intervene.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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🏡 Watertown Spring Cleanup & Yard Waste Drop-Off
The City of Watertown Public Works Department has announced the temporary opening of the 4th Avenue Southwest yard waste drop-off site.
Dates: Tuesday, April 14th – Saturday, April 18th.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
Requirements: Open to Watertown residents only. You must bring a recent utility bill to gain access.
Accepted Items: Leaves, grass, and tree limbs (limbs must be under 6 feet long and 6 inches in diameter).
Important Rule: Loose waste will not be accepted; everything must be bagged, boxed, or in a 95-gallon container.
Alternative: The City Landfill is also offering free disposal for tarped loads during this same window.
🗳️ Retirement of Commissioner Myron Johnson
A longtime fixture in Codington County leadership is preparing to step down. At this Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, Myron Johnson announced he will not seek re-election, officially withdrawing his nominating petition.
Johnson’s departure marks the end of a distinguished 16-year tenure.
He will remain in office through the end of the year and continue serving on various boards, including the South Dakota Retirement Board, until January 1, 2027.
🏗️ Codington County Jail Construction Update
Commissioner Lee Gabel provided a progress report on the new $32.6 million county jail project.
Progress: Currently 17% complete as of April 7th.
Budget: The project remains on track financially.
Timeline: Due to 28 days of weather-related pauses, the expected completion date has shifted to August 16, 2027.
🏹 Codington County 4-H Success
4-H Educator Jodi Loehr highlights a busy and successful season for local youth.
Shooting Sports: 57 youth are registered for the state shoot in Fort Pierre later this month.
National Honors: A local team has qualified for the prestigious Daisy National Shoot in Arkansas this July.
Education: The "Adopt a Cow" dairy curriculum is currently connecting K-2nd grade students at Waverly and Millett schools to their agricultural roots.
🚛 Important CDL Regulation Changes
Commercial drivers in South Dakota face new requirements starting July 1, 2026.
The "Intrastate Exception" (K-restriction) is being eliminated. Most CDL holders must now maintain a valid medical examiner’s certificate or face an automatic downgrade to a non-commercial license.
Special Saturday Hours: Several exam stations (Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls) will be open from 7 AM – Noon on April 11, 18, and 25 to help drivers meet these requirements.
⚠️ Brookings County Two-Vehicle Collision
Emergency crews responded to a serious crash on US Highway 14 near Brookings yesterday morning.
The Incident: A 2012 Toyota Camry collided with a Ford Transit bus stopped at a railroad crossing.
Injuries: The bus driver and three passengers sustained minor injuries. The driver and front passenger of the Camry were taken to Brookings Hospital with minor injuries, while a rear passenger in the Camry sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Sioux Falls.
The crash remains under investigation by the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Legislative Debate: Property Taxes vs. Sales Tax
Lawmakers from Districts 4 and 5 met with constituents at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) to discuss the 2026 legislative session.
The Proposal: Representative Matt Roby highlighted two bills that could reduce property taxes by 30% to 40% for owner-occupied homes.
The Contention: Representative Dylan Jordan argued this is a tax shift rather than a cut, as it is funded by a 19% increase in the state sales tax.
Budget Concerns: Senator Glenn Villehauer defended the state’s $7.4 billion budget, citing rising costs in Medicaid and Corrections. Meanwhile, Representative Josephine Garcia warned that the state’s reliance on federal funds—accounting for 60% of the budget—is turning South Dakota into a "welfare state."
Lake Area Technical College: Junior Tech Day
High school juniors are invited to the final Junior Tech Day of the school year on Wednesday, April 15.
Activities: Attendees can sit in on live classes, participate in lab sessions, and meet instructors.
Perks: The event includes scholarship giveaways, prizes, and a free pizza lunch.
Registration: Interested students and parents can sign up at lakeareatech.edu.
Infrastructure: Highway 28 Reconstruction
A $2.2 million urban reconstruction project on Highway 28 through Toronto, SD, is set to begin this Thursday, April 9.
Scope: The project includes new grading, storm sewers, updated street lighting, and fresh asphalt.
Traffic Impact: To minimize disruption, the SD DOT will reconstruct the highway one half at a time, maintaining two-way traffic throughout the project.
Local Updates: The City of Toronto will also be replacing water mains simultaneously. Residents can text "TORONTO28" to 605-566-4041 for project updates.
Political Events: Lincoln Day Dinner
The Deuel County Republicans will host their annual dinner on Friday, April 10, at the Clear Lake Community Center.
Featured Speakers: Speaker of the House John Hansen, businessman Toby Doten, and US Senate challenger Justin McNeal.
Agenda: The event includes a meet-and-greet at 5:00 PM, a formal program, and a firearm auction donated by Sheriff Corey Borg.
Social & Economic News
Financial Literacy Month: April marks a push by South Dakota anti-poverty agencies to integrate financial education into their services. Eric Kunstweller of the Interlakes Community Action Partnership noted that these classes significantly improve clients' long-term housing stability.
Manufacturing & The Economy: For the first time since early 2025, the Midwest manufacturing sector (including SD) showed job growth. However, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss warns of "stagflation" risks due to high inflation, rising food and fuel prices, and global tensions involving Iran.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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